A Life of Resilience Begins
Tegra, a Congolese refugee, spent 14 long years in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe, facing uncertainty and hardship every day. Yet in the face of adversity, Tegra became a beacon of hope for young girls, mentoring them and teaching them the life skills they needed to navigate their struggles. Her heart was set on helping others, and that spirit of resilience carried her through an extraordinary journey once she arrived in the United States.
A New Beginning in Wausau
In April 2024, Tegra and her family stepped off the plane in Wausau, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation. A new life awaited them, filled with opportunity, yet also with unfamiliar challenges. Finding employment proved difficult, but Tegra refused to be discouraged. With unwavering determination, she landed a housekeeping job at Aspirus Hospital, grateful for the chance to support her family and take her first steps toward a new beginning.
During this time, Tegra was introduced to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. When she met with a WIOA Career Planner, it became immediately clear that Tegra had an unstoppable drive to become a nurse. She envisioned a future where she could care for others, just as she had in the refugee camp. With funding from the Collaboration of Wisconsin (COW) Grant, she enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in November 2024. By December, she had completed her coursework, inching closer to her dream.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
But the road was not easy. Transportation challenges made it nearly impossible for Tegra to attend her clinical sessions, putting her hard-earned progress in jeopardy. It was a crushing setback. However, her dedication had not gone unnoticed. Seeing her commitment and potential, NTC made an exception, working with North Central Health Care in Wausau to arrange a later start time, so she could take the bus. With renewed hope, Tegra persevered.
It was worth it.
Despite the short duration of her clinicals, Tegra made an unforgettable impact. Within just four days of completing her training, she received a rare opportunity—a part-time CNA position at North Central Health Care. It was an exceptional moment; the organization typically did not hire part-time CNAs, but Tegra’s work ethic and compassionate care left them no choice.
They wanted her on their team, no matter what.
The Final Test of Determination
Her journey, however, was not yet complete. The final hurdle was the CNA exam—a challenge that many faced with intimidation, especially those overcoming language barriers. But once again, Tegra defied the odds. She passed her knowledge exam on her very first attempt. With the support of WIOA Youth, she and her Career Planner traveled all the way to Green Bay for her skills exam, and she emerged victorious. At last, Tegra was officially a Licensed CNA.
Tegra’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. At every step, she faced challenges that could have broken her spirit, but instead, she rose above them. She has inspired everyone who has crossed her path, proving that no obstacle is too great for those who refuse to give up. Now, with her CNA license in hand and a heart full of ambition, Tegra is ready to embrace the future. And this is just the beginning. We cannot wait to see what she accomplishes next.
WIOA in this area is made possible by the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board.
